HARARE – Controversial businessman-cum-musician Energy Mutodi, has dropped his bid to fight for the Mashonaland East Zanu PF chairpersonship and has thrown his weight behind minister of State for the province, Joel Biggie Matiza.
In a surprise somersault, Mutodi told the Daily News that he is no longer interested in the post as he is too junior to the likes of Matiza — who along with interim chairperson Aeneas Chigwedere is also eyeing the post.
Mutodi took part in the crusade against former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her perceived allies in Mashonaland East — and was instrumental in the toppling of then provincial chairperson Ray Kaukonde.
“I wish to expressly state that I will no longer be running for the post of provincial chairperson, instead, I will back the candidature of Cde Joel Biggie Matiza who is also State minister for the province,” he said.
Zanu PF is set to hold potentially explosive provincial elections in the restive province of Mashonaland East next month — amid indications that warring factions are backing rival candidates.
Apparently, Matiza enjoys the support of the Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa faction while Chigwedere has the support of a faction of young Turks, reportedly led by the party political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere.
Yesterday, Mutodi sought to gloss over the reasons why he pulled out of the race that many in the party believed was his fear to lose after he led the campaign against Mujuru.
“My decision not to contest the province’s top post has been motivated by the fact that I am no senior to several party cadres who have expressed interest in that position and have a long history with the party.”
The flamboyant politician added that in the “spirit of unity, loyalty and respect, I would like to urge all my esteemed supporters to quickly switch over their support towards Cde Biggie Matiza.” Daily News
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